Overview
A clean way to power homes off the electricity grid
Micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems, also known as cogeneration systems, generate heat and electricity simultaneously. The EU-funded Fit4Micro project plans to develop a hybrid micro-CHP unit running on sustainable liquid biofuels. The envisaged technology will be designed for multi-family homes, especially for stand-alone (off-grid) applications. The system will comprise a double shaft micro gas turbine and a humidification unit. This unique combination is expected to drive high electrical efficiencies (>40 %) and have a very flexible heat-to-power ratio. A flameless combustion system will reduce carbon emission levels. Furthermore, the Fit4Micro unit will be integrated with a compression heat pump, an adsorption system and a photovoltaic array that will work in parallel to produce electric and thermal energy.
Fit4Micro aims to develop a hybrid microCHP unit running on sustainable liquid biofuels. Application is foreseen at multi-family houses, and more specifically at remote and/or off-grid locations. The innovative system is based on a double shaft micro gas turbine (mGT) combined with a novel humidification unit. This unique combination leads to very high electrical efficiencies (>40%) as well as a very flexible heat:power ratio. Low emissions are achieved by the application of flameless combustion, and a high GHG emission reduction is obtained by using truly advanced, RED2 compliant biofuel.
Use of a mGT as core-unit in Fit4Micro is ideal for domestic usage, as the system has very low noise output and is vibration free. Furthermore, rapid response times and fuel-flexible operation make this the ideal base for a highly efficient hybrid CHP system, resilient to changes in (local) fuel and power markets, empowering the consumers through digital solutions. Furthermore, the Fit4Micro unit will be integrated with a compression heat pump, an innovative adsorption and a solar PV system through the DC power system avoiding transmission losses. A smart control system will be developed to enable optimal performance at all times.
Efficient fuel distribution and off-grid operation of Fit4Micro is enabled by using sustainable liquid biofuels. These fuels will be produced from biomass residues and organic waste streams, through fast pyrolysis followed by mild hydro-processing yielding a hydrotreated pyrolysis oil (HPO). In Fit4Micro the objective is to widen the feedstock basis and lower the fuel costs by i) using residues as the primary feedstock, and ii) by limiting hydrogen consumption by application of mild processing conditions.
Besides technological development work, the Fit4Micro project includes specific activities on socio-economic and environmental sustainability, public perception, gender dimensions, market aspects, the regulatory framework & policies.